Pewter Report’s 2023 7-Round Bucs Mock Draft 2.0

Nothing has modified from a personnel wants standpoint since Pewter Report’s first 2023 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft. With 23 unrestricted free brokers and looming wage cap troubles, Tampa Bay has the second-worst cap scenario within the league (over by $55,031,921 per OverTheCap.com), this stays essentially the most difficult Bucs mock draft Pewter Report has ever executed. Tampa Bay’s roster between now and April when our closing Bucs mock draft can be launched, so once more, take these preliminary Bucs mock draft with a grain of salt.

The Bucs – and Pewter Report – scouted the expertise in Cell, Alabama on the 2023 Senior Bowl this week, and up subsequent is the NFL Scouting Mix. Let’s have a look at Tampa Bay’s group wants earlier than deciding which gamers Pewter Report thinks common supervisor Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles will choose in 2023.

Bucs’ Personnel Wants

Quarterback

Former second-round choose Kyle Trask is the one quarterback below contract. However getting into his third season, Trask has been gradual to develop, and can now start studying a second system after the group fired offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen and others. Tom Brady retired, and that has negatively impacted the Bucs’ seek for a brand new offensive coordinator. Simply because that is the Bucs’ high want doesn’t imply they’ll draft a quarterback within the first spherical – or in any respect – because the group could flip to free company for a QB like Jacoby Brissett or Baker Mayfield.

Security

Antoine Winfield Jr. and Nolan Turner are the one safeties presently below contract. Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal are unrestricted free brokers. It’s possible at the very least two of these veterans return. The Bucs might definitely draft one other security and practically chosen Georgia’s Lewis Cine with their first choose within the 2022 NFL Draft a yr in the past. This yr’s draft class has a great quantity of high quality safeties.

Edge Rusher

Tampa Bay’s two starters – Shaquil Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – return in 2023. However Barrett will flip 30 and is coming off a torn Achilles. Anthony Nelson, Carl Nassib and Genard Avery are all unrestricted free brokers, and the Bucs want to have at the very least two of them return. However the Bucs are frightened that Tryon-Shoyinka won’t stay as much as his first-round billing and can possible need to add one other edge rusher. The 2023 NFL Draft is sort of deep at Edge.

Cornerback

Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting are slated to be free brokers, and Dean may very well be the highest cornerback obtainable in March. It is going to be powerful for the Bucs to have two cornerbacks averaging a mixed $28 million or extra per yr, because the group simply re-signed Carlton Davis III final yr to a three-year deal value simply over $14 million per season. If Dean returns, cornerback turns into much less of a necessity as a result of the group continues to be excessive on Zyon McCollum, a fifth-round choose from final yr. This yr’s draft class may be very deep at cornerback.

Linebacker

Lavonte David can be an unrestricted free agent at age 33. The Bucs want to re-sign him, nevertheless it must be for lower than the $12.5 million he made final yr. If David, who was the Bucs’ greatest and most constant defender in 2022, doesn’t return then linebacker turns into an enormous want in Tampa Bay. Okay.J. Britt, J.J. Russell and Ulysses Gilbert III are particular teamers and reserves, and none of them have the athleticism and instincts to begin and substitute David. There are just a few good linebackers on this draft class, nevertheless it’s not deep.

Inside Defensive Line

Tampa Bay has two starters below contract in 2023 in Vita Vea and Logan Corridor, who was final yr’s high choose. Corridor was a reserve final yr and desires so as to add about 20 kilos of muscle and bulk in an effort to be prepared to begin this season. However there are a number of different veterans who’re slated totally free company, together with Akiem Hicks, Will Gholston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Pat O’Connor and Deadrin Senat. Some, however not all of these veterans will return. How excessive of a necessity defensive position is on this yr’s draft can be predicated on what number of veterans return. There are some first rate defensive tackles, nevertheless it’s not a deep draft on the place.

Tight Finish

The Bucs will possible transfer on from veteran Cam Brate, who turns 32 this summer time, in an effort to save $2 million in cap room. Seldom-used veteran Kyle Rudolph is a free agent and received’t return. Tampa Bay drafted two tight ends final yr in Cade Otton and Ko Kieft, however will possible have so as to add two extra this yr. One might are available a really deep and proficient draft on the tight finish place.

Extensive Receiver

Mike Evans turns 30 in August and is getting into a contract yr, whereas Chris Godwin continues his highway again from a torn ACL on the finish of the 2021 season. Each mixed for simply 9 touchdowns final yr after totaling 19 collectively in 2021. Russell Gage signed a three-year, $30 million deal final yr, however was an enormous disappointment, averaging a pedestrian 8.4 yards per catch. The Bucs may transfer on from Gage this offseason, and in the event that they do receiver turns into an enormous want as Deven Thompkins, an undrafted free agent, can be the present No. 3. Julio Jones, Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller are free brokers and certain received’t return. This isn’t a deep draft at receiver.

Offensive Deal with

The Bucs have an enormous choice to make concerning left sort out Donovan Smith, who’s coming off his worst season and turns 30 this yr. Smith is getting into a contract yr and Tampa Bay might save just below $10 million by buying and selling or releasing him if he will be trusted after 12 penalties and 6 sacks surrendered in 2022. If the Bucs transfer on from Smith then sort out turns into an enormous want. High reserve Josh Wells can be a free agent and is coming off a torn patella and received’t be wholesome till after the beginning of the 2023 season. The 2023 draft has a good quantity of high quality tackles.

Operating Again

The Bucs may entertain chopping Leonard Fournette, who turns 28 this yr, to save lots of over $3 million this offseason. Giovani Bernard is a free agent and received’t be again. That leaves simply Rachaad White, who was in final yr’s Pewter Report Bucs mock draft, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn on the roster. Search for the Bucs so as to add one other working again with pace in April, as there are a good quantity of fine runners on this yr’s draft.

Bucs’ 2023 NFL Draft Picks

The Bucs presently have seven picks within the 2023 NFL Draft. Tampa Bay traded its fourth-round choose to Jacksonville final yr to commerce as much as choose McCollum within the fifth spherical. The Bucs turned a seventh-rounder right into a sixth-rounder by sending linebacker Grant Stuard to Indianapolis in August of 2022. Tampa Bay additionally will get the New York Jets’ seventh-round choose from the 2020 commerce for defensive sort out Steve McLendon. The Bucs are anticipated to obtain two extra compensatory picks – a fifth-rounder and a seventh-rounder – from the league later this spring.

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2023 7-Spherical Bucs Mock Draft 2.0

ROUND 1: Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes6-0, 180 • Junior

With Jamel Dean possible leaving for greener ($$$) pastures in free company, the Bucs have to replenish their provide at cornerback and discover one which’s starting-caliber. Forbes has began since his freshman season at Mississippi State and was an interception machine from the start with 5 INTs, together with three pick-sixes.

Forbes totaled 14 interceptions in three seasons at Mississippi State taking part in reverse Martin Emerson his first two years, together with six pick-sixes. The junior performs with nice anticipation, and has some Ronde Barber-esque luck on the subject of being across the soccer. His wiry construct may remind some Bucs followers of a barely smaller model of Aqib Talib.

Whereas he wants so as to add muscle to his lanky, 6-foot, 180-pound body, Forbes has gotten harder and develop into a greater tackler over time. But he can nonetheless enhance on this space, particularly in run assist, as that isn’t his energy.

However for a Bucs protection that was starved for turnovers, Forbes is a participant that may ship large performs in opposition to the go. Tampa Bay had simply 10 interceptions final season, which ranked close to the underside of the NFL.

Forbes’ Defensive Stats2020: 45 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 6 PBUs, 5 INTs, 3 TDs2021: 59 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 PBUs, 3 INTs, FF2022: 46 tackles TFL, 10 PBUs, 6 INTs, 3 TDs

The Bucs drafted one Mississippi State turnover machine in cornerback Johnthan Banks within the second spherical in 2013. Banks totaled 16 INTs in 4 seasons with the Bulldogs, and received the Jim Thorpe Award as a senior with 4 picks. However in contrast to Banks, who was taller at 6-foot-2, Forbes is far sooner and a greater athlete.

Forbes earned an 87.2 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus in 2022, and his 44.7 passer ranking allowed in opposition to QBs was the most effective amongst draft-eligible cornerbacks. He had an 89.3 protection grade and surrendered simply 31 catches for 284 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

ROUND 2: TCU G Steve Avila6-4, 330 • Senior

The Bucs fortify their left guard spot with the choice of Avila within the second spherical. Avila began at left guard for TCU in 2022 after spending many of the two earlier seasons at middle for the Horned Frogs.

With a powerful, large body, Avila is a transferring wall in go safety the place he didn’t permit a single sack final yr, and simply 4 whole in his time at TCU. Avila allowed solely 4 QB hits too, together with two final season.

Avila must work on his run blocking, evidenced by his 66.6 grade from Professional Soccer Focus in comparison with his 83.6 grade in go professional. He must work at attacking from a greater angle, however has the athleticism to develop into a people-mover with higher method.

Licht has mined Day 2 for offensive linemen from the Senior Bowl in years previous, together with Donovan Smith (second spherical) and Ali Marpet (second spherical) in 2015, Alex Cappa in 2018 (third spherical), and Luke Goedeke (second spherical) in 2022. Avila was the most effective linemen on the Senior Bowl, and will substitute Goedeke, who might transfer to proper sort out as Tristan Wirfs might substitute Smith at left sort out.

Smith, who’s getting into a contract yr and coming off his worst season in Tampa Bay could also be a wage cap casualty this offseason. The Bucs might commerce Smith, who turns 30 this yr, for a third-round or forth-round choose.

ROUND 3: Bowling Inexperienced DT Karl Brooks6-4, 304 • Senior

The Bucs deal with their defensive position within the third spherical with Brooks, who performed defensive finish final yr at Bowling Inexperienced at 6-foot-4, 300 kilos. Brooks is a quick-twitch lineman who will transfer inside on the NFL degree, and he’s already practically 25 kilos heavier than Logan Corridor, who was drafted within the second spherical final yr.

Beginning 4 years out of his 5 seasons at Bowling Inexperienced, Brooks was a sack machine, recording 27.5 sacks, together with 10 as a senior. The overwhelming majority of these sacks got here within the lesser MAC convention, however he did notch sacks at Kansas State and at Tennessee.

With the Bucs having simply Vita Vea and Corridor below contract in 2023, the group might use extra defensive linemen, and may very well be dropping each Will Gholston and Akiem Hicks upfront. A beginning trio of Vea, Corridor and Brooks would give the Bucs a greater go rush upfront. Gholston didn’t file a sack final yr and Hicks’ lone sack occurred in Week 18.

Brooks’ Defensive Stats2018: 32 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks2019: 33 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks2020: 10 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks2021: 42 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks2022: 50 tackles, 18 TFLs, 10 sacks

Brooks starred on the Senior Bowl the place he confirmed he belonged amongst Energy 5 expertise. He’ll have to get stronger to carry up in opposition to double groups alongside the inside, however his fast first step and highly effective palms will definitely assist him transition nicely to the NFL recreation.

ROUND 5: Pittsburgh RB Israel Abanikanda5-11, 215 • Senior

With the Bucs possible chopping Leonard Fournette in a wage cap transfer, the group must pair Rachaad White with one other starting-caliber working again. Abanikanda is a slasher, who thrived in a zone scheme, however he could not final till the fifth spherical. If he does he’s a steal for Tampa Bay.

At 5-foot-11, 215 kilos, Abanikanda has the dimensions to interrupt tackles resulting from his wonderful contact steadiness. He pressured 46 missed tackles final yr, based on Professional Soccer Focus, and he has breakaway pace as soon as he will get to the second degree.

Abanikanda was one of many extra productive working backs within the nation final yr with 1,431 yards and 20 touchdowns, whereas averaging 6.0 yards per carry. He had 10 100-yard video games for Pitt, together with six straight to finish his school profession. Abanikanda’s greatest recreation got here in opposition to Virginia Tech the place he ran for 320 yards and 6 touchdowns whereas averaging 8.9 yards per carry.

Abanikanda’s Speeding Stats2020: 28 carries for 95 yards (3.4 avg.), TD2021: 123 carries for 651 yards (5.3 avg.), 7 TDs2022: 239 carries for 1,431 yards (6 avg.), 20 TDs Abanikanda’s Receiving Stats2020: 2 rec. for 11 yards (5.5 avg.), TD2021: 24 rec. for 197 yards (8.2 avg.), TD2022: 12 rec. for 146 yards (12.2 avg.), TD

Abanikanda can be a great receiver out of the backfield with 38 profession catches for 354 yards (9.3 avg.) and three TDs. And he can return kicks, ending his Panthers profession with a 22.8-yard common on 19 returns, together with a 98-yard TD in opposition to Virginia in 2021.

ROUND 6: Central Michigan OLB Thomas Incoom6-4, 260 • Senior

The Bucs flip again to protection on Day 3 with Incoom, who will help the group as an edge rusher. With Anthony Nelson, Carl Nassib and Genard Avery all slated to develop into free brokers, and Shaq Barrett recovering from a torn Achilles, Incoom can add depth and pass-rushing skill to Tampa Bay’s protection.

Incoom is coming off an enormous senior season wherein he recorded 11.5 sacks, a pressured fumble and recovered two fumbles, together with one he returned for a touchdowns. Including in 16 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 4 pressured fumbles at Valdosta State earlier than transferring to Central Michigan, Incoom notched 43.5 tackles for loss, 28.5 sacks and 5 pressured fumbles in school.

Incoom’s Defensive Stats2019: 33 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 4 FFs, FR2020: 28 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3 sacks2021: 28 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4 sacks2022: 57 tackles, 19 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, 2 FRs, FF, TD

Incoom performed primarily inside at defensive sort out on the Senior Bowl, which confirmed off his versatility and toughness. However at solely 260 kilos, Incoom doesn’t have the body so as to add 30-40 kilos of bulk. As an alternative, he’s higher off as a robust edge rusher in Tampa Bay.

ROUND 6: Purdue TE Payne Durham6-5, 255 • Senior

With the Bucs possible making Cam Brate a wage cap casualty, Tampa Bay wants so as to add one other tight finish to the combo that already consists of Cade Otton and Ko Kieft. All Durham did at Purdue was catch touchdowns. Simply watch the spotlight reel and also you’ll see 21 of them throughout his 4 years for the Boilermakers, together with 14 over the past two seasons.

Whereas Payne is just not an elite athlete with sufficient pace to elude defenders down the seam, he does use his physique to field out DBs and linebackers fairly nicely, particularly within the pink zone. And he additionally reveals nice toughness, tackle-breaking skill and performs with coronary heart. Durham does to not work on his method as a blocker, and will use 5-10 kilos of bulk to assist him on the level of assault within the run recreation.

Durham’s Receiving Stats 2019: 9 rec. for 82 yards (9.1 avg.), 4 TDs2020: 16 rec. for 166 yards (10.4 avg.), 3 TDs2021: 45 rec. for 467 yards (10.4 avg.), 6 TDs2022: 56 rec. for 560 yards (10 avg.), 8 TDs

Durham’s profession 10-yard common received’t excite many groups, however his pink zone manufacturing will. He additionally had a formidable Senior Bowl the place he caught two passes for twenty-four yards and a two-point conversion. Durham additionally had an incredible, highlight-reel catch throughout Thursday’s Senior Bowl observe.

ROUND 7: Kansas State WR Malik Knowles6-3, 200

The Bucs finish the draft by deciding on an enormous, developmental receiver in Knowles, who was a four-year starter at Kansas State. The Bucs might use one other younger receiver – and one with dimension – to pair with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Deven Thompkins, particularly if Russell Gage is a wage cap casualty.

Knowles averaged 14.7 yards per catch and has the power to hit the house run ball downfield, or be efficient on vast receiver screens along with his quickness. Whereas he’s 6-foot-3, he doesn’t all the time compete for bounce balls, in order that’s an space he must work on on the subsequent degree – and one of many the reason why he’s a Day 3 choose.

Knowles didn’t have nice QB play nor was he featured a lot in Okay-State’s run-heavy assault. He had simply 4 100-yard video games for the Wildcats, however had 4 extra video games with 90 yards or extra in receiving yardage. Knowles was harmful on finish arounds the place his blazing pace averaged 12.2 yards per carry and allowed him to attain 4 TDs, together with three as a senior.

Knowles’ Receiving Stats2018: 10 rec. for 100 yards (10 avg.), 2 TDs2019: 27 rec. for 397 yards (14.7 avg.), 3 TDs2020: 13 rec. for 204 yards (15.7 avg.), 3 TDs2021: 29 rec. for 441 yards (15.2 avg.), 4 TDs2022: 48 rec. for 725 yards (15.1 avg.), 2 TDs

Knowles’ Speeding Stats2019: 7 carries for 70 yard (10 avg.)2020: 6 carries for 100 yards (16.7 avg.), TD2021: 15 carries for 106 yards (7.1 avg.)2022: 8 carries for 164 yards (20.5 avg.), 3 TDs

Knowles was considered one of school soccer’s most harmful kick returners, as he averaged 27.7 yards on 61 returns in his profession, together with three touchdowns. He might assist Tampa Bay initially on particular groups as he develops as a receiver.